Hi there Dr.Richards. I read this article and am going to post it here so I can see what you have to say about it.
The problem of premature ejaculation has long been linked with psychological issues – but now scientists say it could be something that is inherited.
Researchers have found men for whom sex is over all too quickly are more likely to have a genetic abnormality.
These men carried a defect in a gene that controls the release of dopamine, a chemical ‘ neurotransmitter’ that plays a crucial role in everything from movement and attention span to the brain’s perception of pleasure and reward.
The researchers in Sweden and Finland believe drugs that boost dopamine levels in the brain could be a new way of treating a condition that affects one in four men in the UK.
As far back as the 1970s, researchers noted that dopamine-based drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease had an aphrodisiac effect on some patients.
But until now, most experts agreed premature ejaculation was probably linked with psychological issues – such as difficulty relaxing during sex.
Treatments usually involve relaxation techniques, although doctors do sometimes prescribe anti-depressants to control anxiety.
The latest study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggests the problem may be passed down through the generations.
Experts looked at almost 1300 men aged between 18 and 45 and asked each one on how long they were usually able to last during sex. They also took saliva samples to test for defects in a dopamine transporter gene, called DAT1.
The results showed that men with a slightly different form of the gene were much more likely to suffer from premature ejaculation.
In a report on their findings, scientists said: “The results of this study indicate that drugs directly affecting dopamine levels may be candidates for treatment.” – Daily Mail
So premature ejaculation could be from genetics. Does this mean there will be no cure if someone has this? What is good ways to raise the dopamine level in humans?
If you have a defective dopamine transporter gene does that mean even if you have high amounts of dopamine it still wont be effective? Is there a way to change this?
I have read about brain nueroplasticity and would I be able to rewire my brain and be able to fix this “defective” gene?
ANSWER
It is possible that a defective dopamine transporter gene plays role in premature ejaculation, but if so, one may expect numerous other abnormalities and PE won’t probably be the primary of concerns. Also, gene expressions may be altered as well.